Hale Meets Bassil, Fears Spillover of Extremism to Lebanon

U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon David Hale expressed concern on Friday over the risk of spillover of terrorism and extremism from Syria.

“Tackling the threats will not be easy, but I am confident that, together, we can ensure that Daesh (the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant) will never find safe haven in Lebanon,” Hale told reporters after talks with Foreign Minister Jebran Bassil at the Bustros Palace.

He described the meeting as “productive,” pointing out that the two officials tackled the political and security challenges facing Lebanon.

Hale pointed out that his country supports the dissociation policy that the Lebanese government abides by, noting that the U.S. is “helping to insulate” Lebanon from the repercussions of the chaos in the neighboring country Syria.

The diplomat hailed Lebanon's role in combating extremism, considering it essential.

“Lebanon’s example of coexistence contrasts with the barbarism of extremists, such as Daesh and al-Nusra, who target Middle Eastern Christians, minorities, women – in fact all of us are targets.”

Hale also highlighted five aspects to demolish extremism, including “the military effort... the global effort to stop the flow of foreign fighters to the area, to cut extremists’ finances, to provide humanitarian relief and support to victims, and to counter extremist propaganda.”

The ambassador also loaded the Lebanese army's exerted efforts to defend the country and the nation's unity to counter violent extremism.

He stressed that Beirut can always rely on the U.S. and other friendly countries to support its battle against extremism.

“Our common values distinguish us from these barbaric extremists.”

Lebanese troops have been battling Syria-based Islamist militants, including the extremist IS group and the al-Qaida-linked Nusra Front, in areas near the border.

H.K.

G.K.